Teena Marie Dies At 54

Reports of her untimely death spread online after a tweet from Ronald Isley. The soul crooner wrote: “Just found out a friend, Teena Marie passed away. I really didn’t expect to hear this. RIP. We will miss you much!”

She was heralded for her work as a songwriter, musician, and arranger. Teena was also credited by many for rapping on her own records, believed to have helped usher hip-hop into mainstream R&B.

As of now no further details about her death have surfaced.

Breaking news, December 26, 8:22 p.m. ET:

There are several reports that R&B star, Teena Marie has died. WDAS in Philadelphia has reported her death and Birdman of Cash Money Records has also said she has passed away via Twitter. Details will be posted as soon as they come in.